Panniculitis – Acquired Partial Lipodystrophy

Acquired Partial Lipodystrophy (APL) is a skin condition in which there is markedly reduced subcutaneous fat and I occasionally encounter this skin disorder in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  APL is also called Barraquer-Simons syndrome and was the most common type of lipodystrophy prior to the introduction of HAART for HIV treatment.  APL is most commonly seen in women.  It typically begins in the face and scalp and progresses down the body but stops at the iliac crests and does not usually involve the legs.  The etiology of APL is unknown and some patients have other autoimmune disorders as well.  There is no effective treatment.